A retrospective analysis of alimentary tract duplications in pediatric patients: a 14-year single-center experience
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In brief
In brief
This 14-year retrospective study examines 63 pediatric cases of alimentary tract duplications, rare congenital GI lesions often linked to spinal and urinary anomalies. The research highlights variable presentation patterns, with 35% diagnosed prenatally and others presenting symptomatically or incidentally, emphasizing the need for individualized surgical approaches based on embryologic understanding.
- Prenatal diagnosis of ATD occurred in 35% of cases, with elective surgery at mean age 1.5 years vs 5.2 years for symptomatic presentation
- Multiple duplications found in 6.3% and associated anomalies in 15.8% of pediatric ATD cases over 14-year period
- Surgical management of alimentary tract duplications should be individualized based on embryology and patient developmental stage
- ATDs may present symptomatically, be detected prenatally with compression signs, or found incidentally at older ages (mean 10.7 years)
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
Alimentary tract duplications (ATDs) are rare congenital lesions often associated with anomalies such as spinal, urinary and GI tract malformations. The purpose of this study was to report the experience of a single center with ATDs in children, focusing on the natural history, associated malformations, and their impact on patient management.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis over 14 years, collecting prenatal, clinical, surgical, and follow-up data. We focus on associated anomalies prenatal and postnatal management, and outcomes.
Results
Sixty-three patients with ATD (thirty-six females, twenty-seven males, aged 1 day to 14 years) were enrolled in this study. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 22 patients (35%), of whom 8 showed compression signs. Elective surgery was performed at a mean age of 1.5 years in prenatally diagnosed cases. The others presented symptoms at a mean age of 5.2 years (55.5%) or were detected incidentally (9.5%) at a mean age of 10.7 years. In four patients (6.3%), we identified multiple duplications, and ten cases (15.8%) were found with associated anomalies.
Conclusion
The wide spectrum of clinical appearance of ATDs and a comprehensive knowledge of human embryology might define surgical management, which should always be patient-tailored and respectful of the child’s development.